The statistics are telling. Last season, the Oregon State football team finished fourth in the Pac-10 in total defense, thanks to a rush defense that allowed only 108 yards per game.

But while OSU was the top team against the run, they faltered against the pass, finishing last in the conference. Teams scorched the Beavers through the air for 298.7 yards per game. It was a far cry from the 2004 season, when OSU finished second in pass defense and first in pass defense efficiency. That season, the Beavers gave up 196 yards per game.

As a result, many onlookers placed the blame on the Beaver secondary as the team struggled to a 5-6 record last season. Meanwhile, Beaver Nation was left in shock as it watched opposing quarterbacks have field days against cornerbacks Keenan Lewis, Gerard Lawson and Brandon Hughes.